Important Map of Colonial New England and the Mid-Atlantic - Rare Example with Blank Verso

"Nova Belgica et Anglia Nova", Blaeu, Willem

This important map, first issued in 1635, is one of the first to focus on the Dutch colony in North America and to name Nieu Amsterdam (New York). It is based on the manuscript of Andriaen Block (1614), a Dutch fur trader, who explored the area between Cape Cod and Manhattan and was the first to correctly delineate the longitudinal scale of the coastline and establish Manhattan as an island. The colony of Nieu Pleimonth is identified, as well as other English names along the coast, which were derived from Smith's map of New England in 1616. The map is oriented with north to the right and is richly adorned with a variety of wildlife, including the first appearance of beavers, polecats and otters on a printed map. Quebec is noted with a minute depiction of the fort and buildings, and the mythical kingdom of Norumbega is noted near the R. Pentagouet (Penobscot River) in present-day Maine. A large Mohawk village is shown derived from the White-de Bry engravings. It is further embellished with a large title cartouche flanked by two natives, sailing ships, canoes, and compass roses. This is a rare example with a blank verso. The map appeared with either German, Latin, French, or Dutch text on verso in all editions of Blaeu's atlases in which it appeared; it is likely that this example was printed for a composite atlas or may even have been a proof.

References: Burden #241; Goss (Blaeu) p. 164; McCorkle #635.1; Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #9310:2.

Condition: B

There are a couple of extraneous creases, light printer's ink residue, and minor soiling in the image. The paper is a bit stiff and there is a centerfold separation confined to the bottom blank margin, as well as a number of small chips and tears along the edges of the sheet.